Protecting against disaster

At Stringer Mallard we can provide businesses in the Harrogate area with a range of advice. Here are some useful ideas for protecting against disaster.

With the increasing reliance of companies on computers and the internet it is more important than ever that firms devise a strategy for dealing with disaster. However, research shows that many small businesses have no plan in place for coping with a crisis.

Disasters take many forms, including 'natural' causes such as floods or storms, and 'man-made' calamities caused by human error or sabotage. Careful preparation will minimise the impact on your business, so you should act sooner rather than later. Here are some of the areas to consider:

Hazard avoidance

Valuable equipment should be kept away from potential hazards, such as water pipes. Important IT equipment should be kept on upper floors to minimise the impact of a flood and desks left clear overnight to reduce the risk of fire.

Safety

Fire equipment, including alarms and extinguishers, should always be in full working order. Escape routes should be clearly marked and accessible at all times, and floors free from obstructions.

Security

Undertake a review to ensure that security measures are adequate, with locks and alarms in working order.

IT and information protection

Firewall and anti-virus software should be up to date, and a policy enforced to ensure that unsolicited emails are not opened. Important information should be backed up and a copy kept in a separate, secure location. Sensitive data should only be accessible to key members of staff.

Insurance

Insurance policies must be valid and offer sufficient cover, including buildings, contents and key personnel.

Contingency plans

The business should have a disaster plan detailing possible hazards and likely outcomes, and setting out the individual roles of members of staff. The plan should be reviewed regularly.

Emergency routine

Staff should practice the emergency procedures.

Recovery

You should have a recovery plan, complete with a time-scale for action.

Remember that being prepared could make all the difference to the well-being of your staff and the long-term survival of your business. Even if the worst doesn't happen, you will reap the benefits, by reducing your vulnerability to everyday risks and improving staff confidence.

If you are in the Harrogate area and would like professional assistance from experienced accountants and business advisers, contact the team at Stringer Mallard today.

What our clients say

“ I use Stringer Mallard for several of my businesses and have found them to be a friendly, supportive and professional team that are happy to help.

The combined knowledge and experience within the team mean that my queries are always answered and I feel confident in the answers that they give. The services that they provide are tailored to me and my businesses rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I have found them to be flexible and willing to work with me, providing valuable insights into my business. ”

Jason Clay - Director - Quarters Developments Ltd

“ I have used Stringer Mallard for many years and they have provided an outstanding quality service tailored to my business requirements. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an accountant who can explain things in plain English. I can discuss all my business matters with them and find their advice most helpful. They have played a leading role in the evolution of my businesses over the last few years. ”

Paul Walker - Managing Director - Auto VIP

“ We have used the services of Stringer Mallard for many years within our training business and have always found the service to be excellent! Stringer Mallard’s approach is extremely entrepreneurial and we have found their business advice to be invaluable. I would have no hesitation in recommending Stringer Mallard’s services and have indeed done so to many of my associates and friends. ”

Paul Hughes - Director - Hughes Training Solutions Ltd

“ We have been with Stringer Mallard for several years and they have a great team who have dealt with our financial affairs efficiently and professionally, whilst being very friendly and approachable. Andrew is always available to discuss our business and is a valuable source of impartial advice. ”

“ Working in the Financial Services arena ourselves, we need an Accountancy practice that not only understand the technical and legislative side of our industry but also appreciate the importance of the personal service side and building a relationship based on trust and sound advice. Stringer Mallard are able to provide all of this and at a price that is very competitive with the big high street firms! It’s a cliché but they really are big enough to cope but small enough to care. ”

Kirk James - Director - Lofthouse Gate

“ I have worked with Stringer Mallard for several years now and have found them to be professional, approachable and very knowledgeable. They are always on hand for any queries and have shown an interest in my business that I have not experienced elsewhere. I would have no hesitation in recommending Stringer Mallard to my friends and associates. ”

Nigel Coughlan - Director - COW Hold Ltd

“ I moved to Stringer Mallard several years ago, when I faced a challenging situation in my retail business. I found Andrew Stringer to have a level headed and optimistic and enthusiastic approach to my particular problem. He was connected well enough to arrange meetings that led to me being able to get back on track with renewed confidence. With a plan, support from a new bank and with Andrew’s very personal support to myself and my business, I was able to drive the business forward, which has since tripled in turnover and quadrupled in net profits. This in turn however attracted bigger tax liabilities. Stringer Mallard have a tax planning specialism. I would only work with a company and a scheme that operates both within the law and one that has an in depth and thorough understanding of tax law. ”

Jeremy Beaumont - Rhodes-Wood Ltd

“ We have employed the services of Stringer Mallard since 2004, Andrew and his team have helped Clean And Tidy expand our business with their professional and direct approach to our accountancy requirements. They have advised us on all aspects of our business and helped us with ideas and how to grow our business. It is very valuable to have someone there who you can call at anytime and get the right advice or be pointed in the right direction. They make things happen. We highly recommend the services of Stringer Mallard. ”

C A Tolmie - Director - Clean and Tidy

“ Stringer Mallard have been our accountants in the UK for 15 years and during that time they have been an important factor in the growth of our business. Funville started from nothing eight years ago and has grown every year since. Our relationship is simple; if we have a problem or a strategic decision to make, we call them and they are involved from start to finish. Their advice and input is simply invaluable and of great importance to us. ”

Stringer Mallard, Harrogate Accountants

We recognise that being in business, especially leading a business, can be an isolating experience. We are your business partner for all the decisions you have to make, genuinely assisting in bringing to life your goals and ambitions.